“Jesus lost all his glory so that we could be clothed in it. He was shut out so we could get access. He was bound, nailed, so that we could be free. He was cast out so we could approach. And Jesus took away the only kind of suffering that can really destroy you: that is being cast away from God. He took so that now all suffering that comes into your life will only make you great. A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond. And the suffering of a person in Christ only turns you into somebody gorgeous.” (180–1) - Tim Keller, Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering

If this is true, if the gospel is reality, what do we have to fear? There is still suffering, loneliness, despair, grief, pain, sickness and death; but there is always hope. Through Christ we have a hope that cannot be shaken. Through Christ our suffering cannot destroy us; our suffering will not have the last word. His love and strength carries us through the brokenness within us and all around us. When our last breath arrives, His sacrifice will carry us safely home to our Father. "In Christ alone, our hope is found. He is our light, our strength, our song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm."

Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.